Description of this recipe: This recipe presents a comforting and delicious gluten-free apple crumble, featuring a tangy, spiced apple base topped with a buttery, oaty crumble. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a festive gathering.
Why you will love this recipe: This gluten-free apple crumble is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Second, it uses readily available ingredients. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it’s utterly delicious! The combination of the soft, sweet-tart apples with the crunchy, buttery crumble topping is a classic pairing that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or texture. You’ll love the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, and the satisfied smiles on the faces of everyone who tastes it. It’s a simple dessert that feels special, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Introduction:
Is there anything more comforting than a warm apple crumble on a cool day? The scent of baking apples mingling with cinnamon and butter is enough to evoke feelings of nostalgia and contentment. This recipe takes the classic apple crumble and adapts it to be completely gluten-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert. The key to a great apple crumble is the balance of flavors and textures. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy, and the crumble topping to be crisp and golden brown. This recipe achieves that perfect balance, using Bramley apples for their tartness and a blend of gluten-free flour, butter, muscovado sugar, and oats for a delightfully crunchy topping. The oats add a wonderful chewiness and nutty flavor that complements the apples perfectly. Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or necessity, this apple crumble will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. It’s a simple, rustic dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, and it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Get ready to experience the joy of a perfectly baked gluten-free apple crumble!
Ingredients:
- 600g Bramley apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 2cm dice
- 1 tsp ground mixed spice or cinnamon
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 100g unsalted butter, diced and chilled
- 150g gluten-free plain flour (a blend specifically designed for baking works best)
- 75g light muscovado sugar
- 3 tbsp gluten-free porridge oats
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp water
- Cream, vanilla ice cream, or custard, to serve (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/ gas mark 5). This ensures the oven is properly heated when the crumble is ready to bake, leading to even cooking. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced Bramley apples, ground mixed spice (or cinnamon), caster sugar, and water. The water helps to soften the apples and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Simmer the Apple Mixture. Cover the saucepan and cook the apple mixture gently over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the apples have started to soften slightly. Avoid overcooking, as you don’t want the apples to become mushy. We want them to have a little structure when baking.
Step 3: Transfer to Ovenproof Dish. Once the apples have softened slightly, transfer them to an ovenproof dish. This should be a dish that can withstand the heat of the oven. An 8-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized round dish works well. Spread the apples evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping. In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free plain flour and the diced, chilled butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Working quickly is essential, as the cold butter helps to create a flaky and tender crumble.
Step 5: Add Remaining Crumble Ingredients. Stir in the light muscovado sugar, gluten-free porridge oats, and a pinch of salt to the flour and butter mixture. The muscovado sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor and a slightly chewy texture, while the oats provide a delightful crunch. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 6: Sprinkle Crumble Over Apples. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the prepared apples in the ovenproof dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the apples, creating a beautiful, textured topping.
Step 7: Bake the Crumble. Place the dish on a baking tray (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The baking tray also helps to ensure even heat distribution.
Step 8: Cool and Serve. Once the crumble is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too hot. Serve warm with a scoop of cream, vanilla ice cream, or custard, if desired.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This gluten-free apple crumble is best served warm, straight from the oven. A generous dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the warm, spiced apples perfectly. Alternatively, a creamy custard or even a simple drizzle of maple syrup can elevate this dessert to a whole new level. For a more sophisticated presentation, try serving individual portions of the crumble in ramekins. This allows for a beautiful presentation and ensures that everyone gets their fair share of the crispy topping. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings – a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon can add a unique touch. Ultimately, the best serving suggestion is one that you and your guests will enjoy the most.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Apples: Bramley apples are ideal for crumbles due to their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking. However, you can also use other varieties, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, or a combination of different types.
- Keep the Butter Cold: Using cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly topping. The cold butter creates pockets of steam when baking, resulting in a light and flaky texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Crumble: Overmixing the crumble topping will result in a tough, rather than crumbly, texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to suit your preference. If you prefer a sweeter crumble, add a little more sugar to both the apple filling and the crumble topping.
- Make Ahead: The apple filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also make the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, to the crumble topping for added flavor and texture. Seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can also be used.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: 450
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion:
This gluten-free apple crumble is a testament to the fact that gluten-free baking can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional baking. With its tender, spiced apple filling and crunchy, buttery crumble topping, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your taste preferences, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of a homemade gluten-free apple crumble. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While Bramley apples are traditionally used in crumbles for their tartness and ability to hold their shape, you can definitely experiment with other varieties. Granny Smith apples are a great alternative, as they also have a tart flavor. Honeycrisp or Gala apples would add a touch of sweetness. You could even mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor profile. Just keep in mind that some apples may require slightly different cooking times, so keep an eye on the crumble as it bakes.
Q2: Is it necessary to use gluten-free porridge oats? Can I use regular oats instead?
A2: If you are strictly gluten-free, it is important to use certified gluten-free porridge oats. While oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye, leading to cross-contamination. Regular oats might be acceptable if you are not severely gluten-sensitive. However, if you need to ensure your crumble is completely gluten-free, always opt for certified gluten-free oats.
Q3: Can I make this apple crumble ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can definitely make this apple crumble ahead of time. You have a couple of options. You can prepare the apple filling and the crumble topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the crumble and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake the entire crumble and then reheat it before serving. To reheat, cover the crumble with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Q4: My crumble topping is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A4: If you notice that the crumble topping is browning too quickly before the apples are fully cooked, simply tent the dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the topping from burning while allowing the apples to continue baking until they are tender. You can remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up slightly.
Q5: Can I freeze this apple crumble?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the baked apple crumble for longer storage. Allow the crumble to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions of the crumble in freezer-safe containers. To thaw, transfer the crumble to the refrigerator overnight or bake from frozen at 175°C (350°F) for about 30-40 minutes, or until warmed through. Be sure to check that the middle is heated through properly before serving. You might need to cover with foil if the top is browning to quickly.